Japan, a country made from an archipelago off the coast of East Asia, is well-known for its unique and proud culture. The Japan culture may seem quirky to some, but this vibrant and prosperous nation can certainly teach others a thing or two about innovation, imagination, family values, and respect for others. These Japan facts seem so far from the Western culture we're used to that some of their traditions might seem exotic to us.
We here at Bored Panda have compiled a follow-up list of the weird and wonderful Japanese culture practices that make them just so Japanese. You can find part 1 of the amazing facts here, and if these posts don't make you want to explore Japan tourism immediately then there's always the gorgeous scenery, delicious food, fascinating history, skiing and more!
Scroll down below to check out the list full of interesting facts for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!
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This Fountain In Kanazawa, Japan Displays The Time
A Hotel In Tokyo Has A Reception Desk That Is Run By Robot Dinosaurs
Most Organized Luggage Pickup You’ll Ever See. All Upright With Handle Facing Outward For Easy Pickup
Rice Paddy Art Is An Art Form Originating In Japan Where People Plant Rice Of Various Types And Colors To Create Images In A Paddy Field
I wouldn't even be able to draw on a sheet of paper what these artists can design with crops... this is impressive
Went In To A Police Booth In Tokyo To Get Directions To A Place 3 Blocks Away, The Officer Made Me A Detailed Handdrawn Map To Make Sure I Find It... Just Wow!
When I arrived in japan the cops where so helpful when I asked, took me all the way to my Airbnb and made sure I got in OK...I honestly dont think there's much for them to do in japan! XD
This Sign In Japan Shows The Proper Seating Etiquette
In Japan, Beginner Drivers Use A Shoshinsha Mark - Green And Yellow V-Shaped Symbol That New Drivers In Japan Must Display On Their Cars For One Year After They Obtain A Standard Driver's License. There Is Also A Fukushi Mark Used To Denote Elderly Drivers
This is such a good idea- gives context to why someone might be driving too slow or making rookie mistakes. If I saw an informational sticker like these I'd definitely give them wider berth
You should anyway because of the intuition that something isn't quite right.
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In Australia learner drivers must display an 'L' prominently on their vehicles, and when they first received their licences they swap to a 'P' (for 'Provisional') for 1-3 years, depending on state. Old people are identified by wearing hats...
Lol - you made my day. Old people all over the world seem to be same.
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Can we make one that says ‘I don’t use my turn signal’ or ‘I’m an idiot and will brake and stop for no reason!?’ Asking for drivers in Nebraska ...
need these in New Jersey as well. Just today, someone in front of me was going 15 UNDER the speed limit and constantly breaking almost to a full stop. I usually don't get road rage but this was testing my temper and my patience.
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Also standard in Romania - by law people with less than 1 year driving experience are required to put a sign in the shape of a yellow circle with a black exclamation mark on their vehicle. Some occasional drivers opt to keep them even longer than that if they don't feel they have the experience.
In the Netherlands the most wreckless drivers are the ones with a "Baby on board" sticker on their car.
In Spain they have a green sticker with a green L on it
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In NZ we have a yellow and black L to show someone with a learners licence
In Slovakia and Czech republic we also have a similar tradition. A Z in a green triangle means Beginner(sk- začiatočník). Although it is not obligatory it is a common practise. The driver behind such car is many times more patient.
In London you can tell what kind of drivers are on the road by how people scream at them and the kind of insults they unashamedly hurl at each other
If that is true, the shuld be ashamed of themselves!
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What happens if by chance a new driver was in a car with the for the elderly driver sticker?
This actually happens in Spain as well, new drivers get an L sticker for a year.
There is a similar thing in Australia. When you are learning, you have to display a big "L" red on white card. For your first year after obtaining licence you display a big "P" for Probationer driver. It's a great idea, as other drivers mostly will give you some leeway.
Here in Finland we used to have a sticker for the new drivers because they had to always drive maximum of 80 kilometres per hour for the first year. But that was couple of decades ago and nowadays the new drivers do not have to drive slow speed. That has caused many mixed reactions - many people think that the old system was better.
Here in Canada old men wear Old man hats so you can tell an "elderly" driver is at the wheel. Often the permanent left turn signal is an alternate visual aid.
Here the elderly are marked by out of state plates, and the fact they drive slow, and horribly lol.
I've been driving for 3 years now and I still need one of these stickers.
Yes! I want this in my country. You'd still be annoyed by a slow moving vehicle in front of you, but at least you'd understand.
Here in Ireland when we are learning to drive, we like everyone else, has to have L plates where the N replaces the L. After we pass our test we then have to have N plates . These are just like the L plates and the N stands for Novice. The N plates have to be kept on your car at all times for the first 2 years of you driving your car so people know that even though you have passed your test you are still getting used to driving normally. There is a hefty fine of €1,000 if you fail to display your N plate.
Note the NEW driver parks terribly. The elderly one parks well within the lines leaving adequate space to enter/exit their car as well as for the cars on either side.
Bozos in the US would use it as a way to harass some drivers, unfortunately. My mother is a slow driver and constantly has rude drivers honking at her because they are impatient. And yes, she is in the right lane and careful at stop signs.
here we use the "L" sticker not just for lerners but for new drivers as well, We dont have a symbol for elderly but it's a good idea
It's only like in the uk we have learner (red L)...just passed (green P)...disabled driver and old driver.
In other countries too we have the "N" sign.... it's not something incredible :/
I always check the driver out. Oh-oh, you weaved in your lane, are you old person, or newby driver?
In Northern Ireland we do similar thing. For the 1st yr after passing test have to display an 'R; sign for restrict to many things, Max speed 45mph
In Lithuania when I was a young driver I needed to have "speed limit 70" sign for two years and no one in that car could drive faster than 70 km/h even if they were experienced drivers. Later they changed it into a green maple tree leaf on a white background. Younger drivers need to have it for two years and can't drive faster than 70 km/h but more experienced drivers can drive faster even with that sign on a car.
so Romania is like J apan, our begginers have a yellow 80mm disc with a black exclamation mark displayed front and back
In Northern Ireland, new drivers display an 'R' plate for a year. It means restricted.
There is something similar in Uk. Lets experienced drivers know that this one is stiil 'learning'. Good idea.
In my country, a family could own cars up to four or five cars (or at least two), and even the stickers were applied here, I'm sure there will be lots of people just use the other car 🤦🏻♀️
The elderly driver indicator here is outdated and hasn’t been used for years. You may still see them from time to time but the new one looks a bit more like a 4-leaf clover with all 4 colors (the 2 from the new driver and the2 from the previous elderly driver). The new one is made to represent the entirety of the life, not just the dead and dying leaves of fall.
you also have to go to an actual school for a full week to learn the rules before they let you take the test
We have a big red A for new srivers in france but nothing for older folks
We had the same here - new drivers were ought to have a green leaf displayed :)
we have a green clover leaf for new drivers, but sadly it's not mandatory, only customary
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Unattended Grocery Store. Just Pick What You Want And Leave The Money In The Jar
Even throughout the devastating tsunami, the Japanese politely stood in line to pay for what they needed from shelves that were rapidly emptying, bought only what they needed, never looted any empty stores and even left money behind for items they needed/took. What an impressive culture.
Flight Delayed In Japan. Airline Employees Bow To The Passengers To Apologise
Sticker That Was On My Package From Japan
This Tank Style Stairs Dolly In Japan
The Fire Escape For This Building Is A Slide
The Japanese Ebay Seller I Bought This PS3 Game From Also Sent Me A Japanese Tea Bag With It
A Tiny Pocket In The Back Of Train Seat To Put Your Train Ticket In So When The Conductor Comes Round He Just Checks It Without Waking You Up
Very cool, but this is not uniquely Japanese. SEPTA and NJT had ticket holders on their seats when I lived in Philly in the 90's.
Japan’s Highest Bridge’s Height Is Compared To Godzilla
The Seat Pattern On The Train In Japan Tells You Where Priority Seating Is
This is one the selling points when I describe Japan to people. When me and my gf went we were so impressed, regardless of how full the train is we almost never saw someone sitting here unless they were elderly or a mother. It was amazing how respectful they are even when it doesn't directly benefit anyone at the time.
Bus Driver Holding An Umbrella So That You Don’t Get Wet While Opening Yours
Real-Life Mario Kart Racing In Tokyo Traffic
Sheet Of Paper That Japanese Trains Give To Riders To Excuse Their Tardiness At Work. It Indicates The Date And How Late The Train Was
Japan Is A Rapidly Ageing Population And Is Running Out Of Workers To Take Care For Elders. They Are Solving This Problem With Robots. One Of Them - Robear - Is Able To Lift A Parson And Transfer Him To A Wheelchair Or Help To Get To A Bathroom
Anti-Bacterial Handrails In Tokyo Metro Escalator
This Coffee Shop In Tokyo Clearly Marks Each Customers Space At The Counter
What Happens When A Train Ticket Machine Runs Out Of Change In Tokyo
Why oh why can't other countries follow suit like japan? So polite, clean, modern, accommodating... it's obviously not hard. I wonder what the Japanese think when they visit other countries? Makes me ashamed to think :(
Because not every country's society is rooted in collectivist ideology, some value individual liberty over everything else, which means less control over individual conduct and pursuits.
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while japan is an absolutly gorgeous culture and I love almost everything like all thins it has a big flaw. The culture stiffles alot of individuality with their education system and it is extremerly hard for young people to keep up with the system. I LOVE THE culture but I feel like people need to understand their are ups and downs to everything sadly no not sadly humanly there are ups and down to every culture!
I lived in Japan for 5 years, I think you are wrong. There is beautiful imagination and creativity.
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These solutions to everyday problems are so simple and elegant. Other countries would be so much more pleasant to live in if we would follow some of these innovations.
I just watched a Japanese student bow to a stray cat, pet it, then bow again while thanking it. How cute and considerate, haha
Boeing happens a lot in japan. But it also depends where you are. I lived in the north and we often bowed after crossing the road at a crossing where a car stopped for us. I then moved near Tokyo and was told 'no one has time for that...bowing is too polite"
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What the f**k is up with this? I thought this was supposed to be 53 pictures, there's only like 25 on here. Reported for scams, dumb f***s.
About the bow of airline staff: it is quite normal for them to bow to thank you to fly with them. I had this experience too. It is so heartwarming.
It's funny how every one thinks Japan is the best country in the world. It is not. The best way to check this is to go there and actually try to stick to the rules. And don't believe for one second that when a Japanese is smiling to you, it's because you're doing it right. In most cases, it's actually the opposite. Then, and only then will you have seen the real japan. And believe me, it is quite stressful, as there are so many rules. Cleanliness and respect come at a very high price...
Btw, I love Japan. But I find absurd when someone thinks it's an amazing country. It's a nice country, but like every other country, it has its flaws. Many of them. Especially if you're a foreigner...
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I lived in japan for 8 years. From my experience it's organised creativity. They have to work together and carefully plan even the most creative stuff. Individuality is rarely encouraged unless it's to represent a group. Most end up copying each other or liking the same thing.
If you lived on a small island where all living space must be measured so that all can have a place, organization might be the one thing which can keep society from imploding. There are not a lot places to go for escape from noise and crowding; polite behavior and some curb on individual behavior is necessary for all to live together.
Load More Replies... Having lived in japan for 8 years and travelled to many others, I can honestly tell you that most of these things can be found in many other countries. Also certain aspects of japan may seem polite etc, but most of this is smokes and mirrors. Many of those 'happy' workers hate their jobs and hate the customers - they complained afterwards. Many Japanese will complain to their foreign friends to save face The apologising for delays under 30mins actually takes up more time. Oh. Japan uses too much plastic. They also have a lot of perverts, hence the women only trains.
Ever since the first time I visited Japan, I have absolutely loved it, there's no other place like it. Sure, it has it's flaws, I'm not going to deny that, but it always breaks my heart whenever I have to leave..
My son just returned from Japan and loved everything. Now I am ready to move there when he decides to.
Japanese culture values the collective over the individual, this is why the pressure to behavior properly in public and be exponentially prosperous for the good the Japanese economy is the number one priority. Of course there are wonderful aspects of Japanese culture, they are innovation, creative and highly efficient, but there is a price paid in the form of sacrificing individual liberty and private pursuits. No culture is perfect, its always good to have a balanced view, but there are definitely things we could learn from Japan!
Just put in YouTube: Japanese Commercials. I don't speak the language and still each one is more interesting than our average US TV show.
Unlike most developed countries, the US is full of idiots.
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You can find fun, polite, and interesting things in any country. You can also find bad things. I noticed there was no mention about Japan's rampant child pornography and kid sex problems. Guess that doesn't jive with the rest of the thread.
I agree that that is horrible and very upsetting, but I come onto BP to escape bad things and have a good time. I'd rather you not be too cynical here.
Load More Replies... I want to reincarnate either as a Japanese or South Korean. Please... PLEASE!
Meat is meat. Just because some meat is cute & cuddly and some meat isn't doesn't make the animal's life less worthy.
Load More Replies... Why oh why can't other countries follow suit like japan? So polite, clean, modern, accommodating... it's obviously not hard. I wonder what the Japanese think when they visit other countries? Makes me ashamed to think :(
Because not every country's society is rooted in collectivist ideology, some value individual liberty over everything else, which means less control over individual conduct and pursuits.
Load More Replies... while japan is an absolutly gorgeous culture and I love almost everything like all thins it has a big flaw. The culture stiffles alot of individuality with their education system and it is extremerly hard for young people to keep up with the system. I LOVE THE culture but I feel like people need to understand their are ups and downs to everything sadly no not sadly humanly there are ups and down to every culture!
I lived in Japan for 5 years, I think you are wrong. There is beautiful imagination and creativity.
Load More Replies... These solutions to everyday problems are so simple and elegant. Other countries would be so much more pleasant to live in if we would follow some of these innovations.
I just watched a Japanese student bow to a stray cat, pet it, then bow again while thanking it. How cute and considerate, haha
Boeing happens a lot in japan. But it also depends where you are. I lived in the north and we often bowed after crossing the road at a crossing where a car stopped for us. I then moved near Tokyo and was told 'no one has time for that...bowing is too polite"
Load More Replies... What the f**k is up with this? I thought this was supposed to be 53 pictures, there's only like 25 on here. Reported for scams, dumb f***s.
About the bow of airline staff: it is quite normal for them to bow to thank you to fly with them. I had this experience too. It is so heartwarming.
It's funny how every one thinks Japan is the best country in the world. It is not. The best way to check this is to go there and actually try to stick to the rules. And don't believe for one second that when a Japanese is smiling to you, it's because you're doing it right. In most cases, it's actually the opposite. Then, and only then will you have seen the real japan. And believe me, it is quite stressful, as there are so many rules. Cleanliness and respect come at a very high price...
Btw, I love Japan. But I find absurd when someone thinks it's an amazing country. It's a nice country, but like every other country, it has its flaws. Many of them. Especially if you're a foreigner...
Load More Replies... I lived in japan for 8 years. From my experience it's organised creativity. They have to work together and carefully plan even the most creative stuff. Individuality is rarely encouraged unless it's to represent a group. Most end up copying each other or liking the same thing.
If you lived on a small island where all living space must be measured so that all can have a place, organization might be the one thing which can keep society from imploding. There are not a lot places to go for escape from noise and crowding; polite behavior and some curb on individual behavior is necessary for all to live together.
Load More Replies... Having lived in japan for 8 years and travelled to many others, I can honestly tell you that most of these things can be found in many other countries. Also certain aspects of japan may seem polite etc, but most of this is smokes and mirrors. Many of those 'happy' workers hate their jobs and hate the customers - they complained afterwards. Many Japanese will complain to their foreign friends to save face The apologising for delays under 30mins actually takes up more time. Oh. Japan uses too much plastic. They also have a lot of perverts, hence the women only trains.
Ever since the first time I visited Japan, I have absolutely loved it, there's no other place like it. Sure, it has it's flaws, I'm not going to deny that, but it always breaks my heart whenever I have to leave..
My son just returned from Japan and loved everything. Now I am ready to move there when he decides to.
Japanese culture values the collective over the individual, this is why the pressure to behavior properly in public and be exponentially prosperous for the good the Japanese economy is the number one priority. Of course there are wonderful aspects of Japanese culture, they are innovation, creative and highly efficient, but there is a price paid in the form of sacrificing individual liberty and private pursuits. No culture is perfect, its always good to have a balanced view, but there are definitely things we could learn from Japan!
Just put in YouTube: Japanese Commercials. I don't speak the language and still each one is more interesting than our average US TV show.
Unlike most developed countries, the US is full of idiots.
Load More Replies... You can find fun, polite, and interesting things in any country. You can also find bad things. I noticed there was no mention about Japan's rampant child pornography and kid sex problems. Guess that doesn't jive with the rest of the thread.
I agree that that is horrible and very upsetting, but I come onto BP to escape bad things and have a good time. I'd rather you not be too cynical here.
Load More Replies... I want to reincarnate either as a Japanese or South Korean. Please... PLEASE!
Meat is meat. Just because some meat is cute & cuddly and some meat isn't doesn't make the animal's life less worthy.
Load More Replies...